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Now in its 11th year, Crystal continues to attract the most celebrated names in cuisine and wine as they take to sea to host cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and gala dinners spotlighting the signature cuisine of each chef. Exceptional wine educators such as Master Sommelier Fred Dame, acclaimed Napa Valley winemakers Beau and Heidi Barrett and Piedmont, Italy winemaker Gaia Gaja, partner with wizards of cuisine including André Rochat of André's and Alizé both in Las Vegas, and Heinz Winkler, whose Relais & Châteaux, Residenz Heinz Winkler in Bavaria, Germany has been awarded three Michelin stars.

Aboard the ultra-luxurious Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, guest chefs and wine experts inspire guests with their knowledge and passion for food and wine on worldwide itineraries. Crystal's 2007 Wine & Food Festival features voyages of 10 to 14 days exploring Western Europe (April 19, May 1 and August 9), the Mediterranean (May 25 and October 6), Africa and the Red Sea (May 17), New England (October 24), and the Panama Canal (November 4). In addition to the two Wine & Food cruises in January and February, Crystal offers a total of ten culinary-themed cruises in 2007.

An exclusive cooking demonstration at Le Moulin de Mougins - a favorite restaurant of stars visiting the Cannes Film Festival - organized under the direction of virtuoso chef and owner Alain Llorca (from Monte Carlo).
Learning to prepare gazpacho, seafood paella and crema Catalana in the kitchen of a Spanish restaurant (from Barcelona).
The vegetable markets of Old Nice and sampling regional wines and cheeses at a local bistro (from Monte Carlo).
A port wine cellar visit for tasting, history and tour (from Oporto, Portugal).
Dining on a three-course lunch prepared by one of the most renowned culinary masters in Greece (from Santorini).

"The caliber of our program and the top name chefs and wine experts it continues to draw is a reflection of Crystal's culinary philosophy, commitment and execution," says Toni Neumeister, Crystal's vice president, food and beverage operations. "For anyone passionate about food and wine, the chance to spend quality time with some of the world's greatest culinary artists is a rare and memorable treat."

During each cruise, guests are treated to a specially prepared four-course dinner utilizing the sailing region's freshest ingredients, matched with wine pairings by the guest wine expert. By day, visiting chefs demonstrate cooking techniques, share recipes and tips, and participate in question and answer sessions.

Wine experts lead guests through wine tastings to enjoy and compare appellations, vintages and varietals; learn the history of wine in the regions sailed; receive valuable hints on choosing and pairing wines, and become more familiar with one of the most extensive wine cellars at sea.

Crystal's devotion to cuisine is evidenced by its alliances with some of the world's most celebrated names in food, wine and hospitality - Nobu Matsuhisa brings his legendary Japanese fusion cuisine to The Sushi Bar and Silk Road aboard Crystal Serenity; Asian specialties from Wolfgang Puck's "Chinois on Main" are showcased at Jade Garden aboard Crystal Symphony; and the exceptional Italian fare of Piero Selvaggio's Valentino restaurants is featured on both ships in Prego. The intimate Vintage Room on both ships plays host to ultimate gourmet experiences with wine-makers dinners.

Aboard the ultra-luxurious ships of Crystal Cruises, refined elegance meets casual simplicity. With an emphasis on innovative product differentiation, the renowned Crystal experience is distinguished by classic service, abundant space, extensive choices, and quality, providing worldwide vacations that bridge the best of land and sea.

Crystal Cruises enjoys an unparalleled reputation for excellence, anchored in 11 consecutive years of "World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" awards by the readers of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler magazines - the only cruise line, resort or hotel to have achieved such distinction.